Cheers to our Volunteers

This week, 21-27 of May, is officially National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. Did you know, more than 6 million Australians volunteer every year!

RSYS would like to contribute to raising awareness of this important area for clubs and organisations by sharing the story of some of our Club's volunteers. One example is Ian Kingsford Smith who, together with a large number of talented sailors and race officials, supported the sailing events for the 2000 Olympics. Many, just like Ian, were active sailors who still raced on a regular basis. Ian enjoyed volunteering at the Olympics and has conducted races at the Squadron ever since. Ian also gives generously of his time in many other areas of yacht administration. Other volunteers that have been active since the Olympics include David Flakelar, who is still an active Race Officer.

Some Members began their involvement well before the Olympics: our Chairman of Race Officials Martin Clark has been officiating since the early 90's. Another sterling example is Joyce Warn, who still conducts various Twilight events. Our Honorary Handicapper John Maclurcan has been dedicated to volunteering both for RSYS and other Harbour clubs for the better part of 40 years.

All in all, more than 40 Club Members volunteered for the Sailing Office during 2017-18. We are tremendously grateful to all those individuals, as the Squadron sailing calendar could not have been delivered without their dedication and support. We estimate that, including the work of our Committee Members, our volunteers probably did in excess of 5,000 hours of volunteering at the Squadron.